Dear Neighbor,

Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including some updates and news from your state government.

Upcoming Event: Coffee and Conversation at the South Lansing Library

Please join me for an in-person coffee hour on Monday, Sept. 19, from 12:30-1:30 p.m., at the South Lansing Library (3500 S. Cedar St. in Lansing). I will give a legislative update and answer any questions you may have. Please email KaraHope@house.mi.gov with any questions or topics you would like covered. I look forward to speaking with you all soon.

Lansing’s ‘Free Parking Fridays’ Will Continue Through Remainder of 2022

The city of Lansing will continue to offer two hours of free parking at metered spots on Fridays in downtown Lansing and Old Town for the rest of the year. This program was first implemented for a month in 2021 and brought back at the start of this summer. More information can be found here.

Application for Child Care Stabilization Grants Closes this Week

Applications are being accepted through Friday, Sept. 9, for the third round of Child Care Stabilization Grants. Under this program, child care providers in Michigan can apply for funding to help stabilize their business and to support the health and safety of children and staff. Nearly 6,000 child care providers received funding, and 38,000 caregivers employed by these providers received bonuses.

Eligible providers include licensed child care centers, licensed family homes and group homes, and tribal-based child care. Head Start and Great Start Readiness Programs that provide tuition-based child care are also eligible. This is not a competitive grant, so all eligible providers should apply. Find more information and apply here.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Earlier this summer, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline launched its 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline. This resource is available 24/7 and can be accessed by calling or texting “988” or chatting on 988lifeline.org.

Sincerely,

Kara Hope

State Representative